Smoking pot could cause the condition known as "man boobs" when the marijuana's active ingredient causes a hormonal imbalance.
Gynecomastia, which affects approximately 33 percent to 41 percent of men between the ages of 25 and 45, can be a result of smoking weed, Jezebel reported via CNN.
Caused by a hormone imbalance between testosterone and estrogen, gynecomastia occurs when the ratio between the two hormones "tips in favor of" estrogen. As a result, the body creates excessive breast tissue.
The number of men getting plastic surgery to correct the problem increased 30 percent between 2011 and 2012, and 23,000 people had such surgery last year.
The connection between cannabis and gynecomasti hasn't been thoroughly explored by doctors yet, but the link has been shown in animal studies. Research has revealed that "exposure to the active ingredient in marijuana can result in a decrease in testosterone levels, a reduction of testicular size and abnormalities in the form and function of sperm."
Marijuana's effect on humans isn't as clear yet, although a report in 1972 made the initial link between cannabis and gynecomastia.
A doctor quoted on CNN believes that looking into the issue is an argument in favor of legalizing the drug.
"The legalization of marijuana in some state could make it easier for researchers to determine the exact effects of cannabis use on hormone levels, gynecomastia and other bodily functions," Dr. Anthony Youn wrote in the CNN post. "If a true link between smoking pot and gynecomastia does exist, then we should expect to see a spike in gynecomastia treatments in those states which have legalized marijuana."
Undergoing plastic surgery to correct gynecomastia is the fifth-most common cosmetic surgery among men, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
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